Persuasive Writing

What is it?

Persuasive writing aims to convince the reader to agree with your point of view

When you read the prompt, you will usually be asked, ‘Do you agree?’

• Therefore, your first step is to choose a side. It may be helpful to turn the prompt statement into a question and then try to answer either:

Yes, because…(reason 1, reason 2, reason 3)-or-No, because…(reason 1, reason 2, reason 3)These reasons will later become your paragraphs

Structure• Introduction – Give a brief background to the topic – state your contention

(whether you agree or disagree)

• Topic sentence (this motivates a reader to want to read more)• Explain your topic sentence• Example/evidence/expand - Link

• Second argument

• Third argument

• Conclusion – Restate your contention, wrap up the argument, maybe add an inclusive statement like “If we allow animals to…” or “It is up to us to make a stand to show future generations…”

First argument

Persuasive Techniques• Rhetorical questions (“Why has this situation been allowed to

continue?”)• Appeals to emotions such as fear; nationalistic pride; the hip

pocket(“This will be bad for our economy.”)• Emotive language (synonyms/antonyms) “I felt upset and…”• Personal anecdote – “When I was…I witnessed…”• Exaggeration/repetition – I have seen this happen many times…” or

cumulation “This job will require determination, grit, strength and willpower.”

• Generalisations – “There are hundreds of people who agree…”• Inclusive language – “We/All/The whole society/Our community will

be affected.”• Alliteration – where the first letter is repeated – “The man in charge

is cold, cruel and calculating.”• Expert opinions, facts, statistics

Introduction

Title: BOOKS ARE BETTER THAN TV.

Reading books is far more fun than watching tv.

When you read a book, you use much more of your imagination. Books are also portable, you don’t have to be near a power point and you can read a book at your own pace.

Introduction

Title: BOOKS ARE BETTER THAN TV.

Reading books is far more fun than watching tv. When you read a book, you use much more of your imagination. Books are also portable, you don’t have to be near a power point and you can read a book at your own pace.

Outlines your reasons

States your contention (what you think about the topic)

First Argument (Paragraph 1)

When you are reading a book you can imagine the places and characters as you wish. When you imagine the strong hero described in a book, another person could be visualizing a completely different person. Everyone has read a book and then seen the movie only to be let down. For example, when I saw the movie of ‘Harry Potter’ on tv, I was disappointed to find that Hogwarts was not how I imagined it. Books allow you to create your own ‘picture’ of a story, whereas how can you do this when watching tv?

First Argument (Paragraph 1)

When you are reading a book you can imagine the places and characters as you wish. When you imagine the strong hero described in a book, another person could be visualizing a completely different person. Everyone has read a book and then seen the movie only to be let down. For example, when I saw the movie of ‘Harry Potter’ on tv, I was disappointed to find that Hogwarts was not how I imagined it. Books allow you to create your own ‘picture’ of a story, whereas how can you do this when watching tv?

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Personal anecdote

generalisation

Rhetorical question

Second Argument (Paragraph 2)

You can read a book anywhere. I feel upset when I see someone inside on a sunny day watching tv. They are in a dark, airless room, when I can be outside, under a tree, engrossed in a story. It’s far easier to pack a book when you go to the beach or travel than lug an enormous, heavy tv. We should all turn off our televisions more often and experience the joy of reading out in the open.

Second Argument (Paragraph 2)

You can read a book anywhere. I feel upset when I see someone inside on a sunny day watching tv. They are in a dark, airless room, when I can be outside, under a tree, engrossed in a story. It’s far easier to pack a book when you go to the beach or travel than lug an enormous, heavy tv. We should all turn off our televisions more often and experience the joy of reading out in the open.

TOPIC SENTENCEEMOTIONAL APPEAL

Powerful adjectives & verbs

generalisation

Third Argument (paragraph 3)

When you are reading a book, you are in control of your experience. You can have a break when you want to and you can re-read a section if you miss something. Imagine how terrible it would be if you were watching your favourite show on tv and you have to go to the bathroom. You come back only to realize that you have missed a crucial part of the story. How would you ever know what had happened? This would never occur when reading a book.

Third Argument (paragraph 3)

When you are reading a book, you are in control of your experience. You can have a break when you want to and you can re-read a section if you miss something. Imagine how terrible it would be if you were watching your favourite show on tv and you have to go to the bathroom. You come back only to realize that you have missed a crucial part of the story. How would you ever know what had happened? This would never occur when reading a book.

Appeals to fear

Rhetorical question

Exaggeration

Conclusion

Reading a book is a far better experience than watching tv. It’s an opportunity for you to exercise your brain and use your imagination. Not only can you choose where you read, you can pick up and put down a book whenever you want. It is up to us to encourage everyone to turn off their tvs and open a book.

ConclusionReading a book is a far better experience than

watching tv. It’s an opportunity for you to exercise your brain and use your imagination. Not only can you choose where you read, you can pick up and put down a book whenever you want. It is up to us to encourage everyone to turn off their tvs and open a book.

Restates your contention (point)

Wraps up the argument

Inclusive statement

Topics

• There is nothing social about social media

• Texting is killing off the English language• There is more to sport than just fun and

games• Vampires are as real as Santa Claus• Teachers are essential for learning

Proofread Check grammar and spelling

Check written expression – read your work out loud

Check vocabulary

DON’T FORGET TO…

USE THE ESSAY WRITING GUIDE! FIND THIS ON THE

NAVIGATION BAR IN RESOURCES – SKILLS

BUILDER.